The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has now approved the use of acrylic in the construction of pressure vessels and cast acrylic cylinders under its Safety Standard PVHO-1.

The culmination of 10 years work means that Chromatography Column Manufacturers can now pre-certify acrylic pressure vessels that are designed and manufactured according to the requirements of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and ASME PVHO-1 Case 14.

In most US States, pressure vessels not carrying an ASME pre-certification have to undergo on-site pressure testing during commissioning, witnessed by state engineers. This is a costly and time-consuming exercise.

Acrylic vessels carrying the ASME pre-certification will now generally not require on-site pressure testing thus reducing cost and time in commissioning production plant.

This is a major benefit to both suppliers and end user of biopharmaceutical and food production plant and also extends the use of acrylic to ASME specified plant.